SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS

Asset Classes

Focus Area

Resilience and Site

Topic

Site

Question #

R1.1 – Site Irrigation

Question

Which type of water efficient controls are used to irrigate the site’s landscaped areas?

Applicability

Applicable to all buildings (systems or equipment in the owner or landlord’s control)

Answer

Select all that apply:

    • Drip or root-fed irrigation

    •  Rain and/or soil moisture sensors

    • Weather-based controllers

    • Pressure regulated head     

    • Smart scheduling

    • Stormwater capture

    • Landscaping does not require irrigation

    • None of the above

    • N/A – there are no existing exterior landscaped areas

Description

Water-efficient irrigation controls reduce water consumption.

Requirements

Indicate which type of irrigation control is in place at the building and used to irrigate 80% or more of the landscape

Documentation

    • Photos, specifications, excerpts from landscaping contract etc. showing example of specific strategy implemented

Adapted BB3 Question

Question 02.04.01: Which type of water efficient controls are used for irrigation?

Suggested Lead

In-house, with third-party support

References

None

Crosswalk

TBD

Other Notes

    • Drip irrigation: Water lines with low flow, dripping applicators spread throughout the irrigated area to more conservatively distribute water.
    • Root-fed irrigation: Applicators are below ground and close to the roots zone of plants.
    • Soil moisture sensors: Moisture sensors are placed in the soil of the irrigated area and communicate with an automatic scheduling system to adjust scheduling based on the real-time moisture levels of the irrigated area.
    • Rain sensors: Precipitation sensors placed in the irrigated area communicate with an automatic scheduling system to adjust scheduling based on previous rainfall on the irrigated area.
    • Weather-based controllers: Can be either a Smart or Central Controller. Must be WaterSense approved
    • Smart scheduling: Manual scheduling based on an interaction of factors to maximize the efficiency of water use in irrigating plants. Considers the following: timing (to reduce evapotranspiration, best at night or away from peak sun and heat loads); flow rate and distribution of irrigation system; slope; soil type and infiltration rate of area being irrigated; plant type (watering needs and root depth); seasonal changes in watering needs; and predicted and actual rainfall.

Scoring

1 Point per option, up to 5 Max Points

Verification